Arguementative Essay Draft

             

One of my best friends says that "Everyone should think twice before deciding to eat fast food." I know there are some down sides to fast food but when it comes to it, fast foods honestly aren’t that bad for you. Some doctors actually say that the sugars and other products in fast foods are good for your bodies. Of course people are going to disagree, especially the ones that let it affect their bodies. Those are the people that over abuse the foods. Fast food often gets a bad reputation for being high in fat, calories and sodium. Some of the obvious appeal of eating fast food includes convenience and cost, but many fast-food chains are also altering their menus to appeal to a more health-conscious consumer. Although most foods are OK to eat as an occasional treat, some fast-food menu options are better choices than others.

      Some people are just simply misled on the subject. I’m not saying that fast food every night of your life is healthy because it's not. But maybe once or twice a week isn't bad. It upsets me when people try to push their beliefs in other people's heads especially when they don't fully know what they're talking about. But I don’t think its right for them to say to completely "stay away from fast food." According to others, such as Dr. Anne Selley, "rats love the high-fat food and they eat and eat. We found there are actually huge intelligence strides that are elicited by exposure to a chronic high-fat diet. She believes that it is possible to compare the findings about rats to humans, making it very plausible that humans can benefit from high-sugar and fatty foods also (Dr. Selley)."

Even some good's that come from fast foods are memories and enjoyment. You can't tell me a good Wendy’s burger doesn’t make you think of your childhood, and remembering how good times used to be and even sitting there and reminiscing on how good it tastes. I get memories every time I go to Wendy's because when I was just a little girl my Dad and I would go out to eat every time we took a ride on his Harley. Unfortunately, fast food is obviously not the healthiest of options but it is a convenient one. For the modern youth, vegetables and fruits are not that appealing as compared to junk food such as pizzas and chips. Junk foods are delectable and give more salt and calories to your body. Whenever you have a craving for fast food, you can easily get it anywhere and even at home. Junk food is also very inexpensive. Hence price, distance and speed and convenience don’t matter.

      If you go around and ask people why they like fast food, these are the answers you will probably get: "1.They're quick, 2.They're easy to get to, 3. I like the taste of fast food, 4. They're inexpensive, 5. I'm too busy to cook, 6. It's a "treat" for myself, 7. I don't like to cook, 8. My friends/family like them, 9. It is a way of socializing, 10. They do have nutritious foods to offer, 11. They're fun and entertaining, 12. I came here as a child (Hitti)." Just because someone says something isn’t healthy doesn’t mean they have to try and make other people believe that. People shouldn’t try to push their beliefs onto others. I don’t think that’s right.

       There are such things as being able to meet in the middle. There isn’t just a good side or bad side to fast food, there are in-betweens too. Just because something’s, too unhealthy, or too healthy for you, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. Enjoying the food is the in-between. I mean you do have to learn to take care of yourself but splurging here and there is never a bad thing. A snack a day keeps the doctor way. “But according to some researchers, some types of food eaten - namely sugary and fatty foods - are better for you than so-called healthy foods (Bunting.)"

                

        I just don’t understand why people have to blame the fast food restaurants for their weight or obesity. That just isn't right. "We’ve all heard it, whether it be through a friend, the news, or in the newspaper. Lawsuits being filed against McDonald’s for the cause of obesity in the accuser or their family. In August 2002 two different parents of two different girls both living in the Bronx sued McDonald’s for the obesity of each individual child. They stated that McDonald’s had failed to disclose clearly the ingredients in its food (Ramen)." That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard before. The only reason those parents would do something like that is because the reason their children are like that is because they aren’t responsible parents. Everyone likes to blame other people for their problems. In this case the two girl’s parents were ashamed and wanted to blame McDonalds. "Obesity is related to what a person eats and how much that person eats but not necessarily to where a person eats. Fast food joints are bad for you, don’t get me wrong. But access to fast food doesn’t make a person fat. In fact, some studies show that fast food joints may be no worse than other restaurants…or even your own kitchen (Natterson)."

  When you think of a salad you probably think of a healthy meal option, but fast-food salads come with hidden calories. They try to advertise their meals as “healthy” that don’t mean that they really are. Go for grilled instead of fried chicken with your salad. Creamy dressings and even low-fat varieties contain hidden calories. Instead maybe a healthier option such as a vinaigrette or Italian dressing. Last but not least side dishes, side dishes at fast food restaurants can help you save on calories. Sides of French fries are often smaller than what you would get with a normal meal. Also you can lay off the salt. Other healthy side options from some restaurants could be green salads, fruit or a type of vegetable.

       These are all healthy options to choose when out for fast food. So when people try and sit there and tell you that you can’t find any healthy fast food choices, just think again. Be smart about what you eat and what you put into your body, but a little fun here and there doesn’t hurt anyone. Eating fast food doesn't have been a disaster. There are ways to make healthy choices. A study conducted by Yale's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity looked into fast food and kids. The study states that healthy side dishes and beverages options for kids' meals are rarely offered as the default. So while the healthier choices are there, it's really up to you to pay close attention when it comes to food.